When my kids were young, there was a lovely walking trail in Oklahoma. It was a loop that measured almost exactly a mile. That meant you didn’t need any fancy gadgets to calculate your distance.

The trail’s surface was red, compacted clay, and wide enough for a couple of strollers or runners to comfortably travel side by side.

Also, it was almost level. There was a slight tilt to it, but not so much that baby buggies could get away from you on the downward sides or wear you out on the upward.

Along the trail, there were occasional boulders. Not giant ones—just big enough for kids to climb on without terrifying their parents. And there were a few trees for shade, as well.

Even by Maine standards, it was an excellent trail, but it had another factor. The loop surrounded an enormous prairie dog town.

Some people in Maine think they have seen prairie dogs because they have seen groundhogs. Not so. Though groundhogs and prairie dogs are both burrowing ground squirrels, they are more like distant cousins than siblings.

Prairie dogs, which live in the great plains of the west, are smaller than their eastern cousins. A typical adult prairie dog weighs one to four pounds, while an adult groundhog weighs from 10 to 13 and is almost twice as long.

It’s not just the size that is different. Prairie dogs have a wider variety of coloring. There are five species of prairie dogs, but only one species of groundhog. The ones in Oklahoma are called black-tailed prairie dogs and have tan bodies and (surprise, surprise) black tails. Groundhogs tend to have a gray-brown coat that is much thicker than a prairie dog’s. Also, they have a double-insulated coat, allowing them to handle cold weather better than their smaller cousins.

Both animals live in burrows that are three to six feet below the surface and can be as long as 15 feet. Groundhogs tend to be solitary, either living alone or in a small family unit consisting of a mate and immediate children. Prairie dogs, on the other hand, are highly social. They, too, live in families, but their burrows connect to those of other families. The connected burrows form what are called colonies or towns.

The prairie dog town in the middle of that Oklahoma trail consisted of several hundred animals. They acted as natural lawnmowers, keeping the trail area well-groomed.

In New England, we have Groundhog Day. It’s exciting when Punxsutawney Phil emerges from hibernation and either sees his shadow or doesn’t. But not as exciting as when a prairie dog pops out of its hole, sees you, and barks a report.

Prairie dogs layer their chirping barks with overtones that can carry very specific information, including the type, color, speed, and direction of an enemy.

“Hey, everyone, here comes a slightly overweight human wearing a bright yellow tracksuit and ridiculous shoes. Moving slowly along the trail. No danger. Worth a look, though, if you want to see something funny.”

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